TasCOSS proposes that Tasmania be a trial site for a place-based, regional labour market model. A local governance body would be established and after mapping the capitals in the community, they would commission the services required for both job seekers and employers.
We have the highest long term unemployment rate as a percentage of labour force of all states and territories. The average duration of unemployment is 69 weeks compared to 49.6 weeks nationally.
The employment services system is failing those Tasmanians looking for work and the businesses seeking to employ them.
Research by TasCOSS and the TCCI showed that the most disadvantaged jobseekers are not getting the support they need to transition into employment; there is a need for more individualised services for the most disadvantaged job seekers so they are better matched to jobs and pre-employment support; and employment services need to be more responsive to local labour market conditions.
TasCOSS seeks a commitment to funding a place-based employment services trial in Tasmania.